GUY NORRIS / LOS ANGELES
Airframe team already named: engine phase is next
Requests for proposals (RFP) for the first group of 7E7 systems have been issued by Boeing in the run-up to the anticipated go-ahead of the new airliner programme at the turn of the year.
Under Boeing's new risk-share approach to the development of the 7E7, only a limited number of RFPs have been issued to selected companies within Boeing's systems technology team. The chosen companies are expected to take a primary role in developing specific systems for the aircraft using other partners and team-mates. Responses are due to be submitted to Boeing within 60 days.
"The process is quite different from that used on the 777," says the company, which is conducting a basic three-phase approach.
The first phase began in June when Boeing selected six companies from almost 30 potential structural partners. These included Alenia, Fuji, Kawasaki and Mitsu-bishi Heavy Industries, Vought Aircraft and a Boeing division. "We will work with the airframe candidates until the end of the year," Boeing says.
The second phase, getting under way with the current RFPs, builds on the established systems technology team - undisclosed members of which have now been tendered. The initial team included BAE Systems, Bugatti, Connexion by Boeing, Crane Aerospace, Diehl, ECE Zodiac, Fairchild Controls, FR-HiTemp, General Dynamics, Goodrich, Hamilton Sundstrand, Honeywell, Liebherr-Aerospace Lindenberg, Matsushita Avionics Systems, Messier-Thales, Moog, Parker Hannifin, Rockwell Collins, Smiths Aerospace, Teijin Seiki and Triumph Group.
The third phase covering propulsion will see the long-awaited three-way tussle between General Electric, Pratt & Whitney and Rolls-Royce. The engine downselect, expected to narrow to two manufacturers, is due to take place in the fourth quarter.
Boeing says the systems selection process is similar to that of the structural partners, "but will take longer". The process is expected to occupy up to six months and will be completed in the first quarter of 2004, by which time Boeing hopes to start making formal offers to potential customers. "Not all RFPs are out yet and we won't decide on the final system partners until early 2004," the manufacturer adds.
Source: Flight International
